Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has ordered an indefinite suspension of mining operations at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, and their surroundings. The directive comes amid ongoing investigations into suspected illegal mining activities in the area. Alake disclosed this after meeting with OAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.
The suspension follows numerous complaints from students and residents about the activities of illegal miners, which have adversely affected economic activities in the region. Alake emphasized that the ministry swiftly responded to the allegations to verify their authenticity. Reports had surfaced, urging investigations into the alarming reports of illegal mining activities within the OAU premises.
The unregulated mining operations have reportedly caused significant environmental damage. Alake noted that while some operators presented licenses and letters of consent, further investigations are required to authenticate their validity.
Source: Punch